AES E-Library

A Non-Linear Load for Power Amplifier Testing

Current practice usually involves testing an audio power amplifier using a pure resistive load in place of a loudspeaker. Recent work highlights a need to investigate power dissipation using a reactive load, while the difficulties of using real loudspeakers with test signals are well known. In general, neither a resistive nor a linear reactive load correctly mimics the electrical behavior of a loudspeaker. Although the prototype has been given particular characteristics, an algorithm for determining component values required to fit the model to any specific loudspeaker load is presented.: